Compositions comprising an NFκB-inhibitor and a non-retinoid collagen promoter

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a composition comprising an NFκB-inhibitor and a non-retinoid collagen promoter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/572,565 filed Oct. 2, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A composition comprising an NFκB-inhibitor and a non-retinoid collagen promoter is provided. The composition is useful, for example, for topical application to the skin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The aging of skin may be understood as being influenced by intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors include natural changes to the skin, which are regulated by genetic makeup. Extrinsic factors include exogenous influences such as UV damage, environmental factors, and the like.

Aging of the skin can adversely affect elasticity and strength of the skin through changes in the two main constituents of the dermal extracellular matrix, the fibrous proteins collagen and elastin. For example, elastin is a large fibrous protein formed by the crosslinking of elastin precursor protein molecules (e.g., tropoelastin) into spiral filaments. Collagen, more ubiquitous than elastin, is another fibrous protein that forms the structural network of skin.

Certain agents are known for their beneficial effect of inhibiting the degradation of crosslinked elastin. For example, it is known that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of enzymes that are able to break down the macromolecules in the extracellular matrix, play an important role in elastin degradation. A number of plant extracts have been described as inhibitors of various MMPs. For instance, J. L. Lamaison describes the inhibition of elastase (porcine pancreatic elastase) with extracts of plants selected from the rosaceae group and attributes the inhibition to the tannins they contain. Ann. Pharmaceutiques Francaises 1990, 48, 335-340. M. Herrmann et al. disclose that SymMatrix, a hydroalcoholic blackberry leaf extract, exhibits the MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 inhibitory activity. SOFW Journal (2006), 132(4), 42-46.

In addition, certain natural or synthetic compounds are known for the beneficial effect of promoting the production of elastin precursor and/or promoting the formation of collagen. For example, retinoids up-regulate elastin production in fibroblasts. Liu et al., Am J Physiol. 1993 November; 265(5 Pt 1):L430-437. Retinoids are also known to promote collagen formation. Unfortunately, retinoids have certain drawbacks, such as a propensity for irritating the skin.

As such, the inventors have recognized a need for new agents and combinations of agents that can further positively influence the formation of collagen without certain drawbacks, such as irritation that could be induced by using retinoids.

The inventors have now surprisingly discovered surprising benefits of a particular class of anti-inflammatory compounds, agents that inhibit the cell transcription factor nuclear kappa-B (NFκB). The inventors have found that when NFκB-inhibitors are combined with non-retinoid collagen promoters, topical composition containing the combination exhibit a surprisingly large, unexpected and synergistic boost in collagen promotion efficacy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising an NFκB-inhibitor and a non-retinoid collagen promoter.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating a sign of skin aging, comprising topically applying to skin in need of such treatment a composition comprising an NFκB-inhibitor and a non-retinoid collagen promoter.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description of the invention and from the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is believed that one skilled in the art can, based upon the description herein, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following specific embodiments are to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Also, all publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference. Unless otherwise indicated, a percentage or concentration refers to a percentage or concentration by weight (i.e., % (W/W). Unless stated otherwise, all ranges are inclusive of the endpoints, e.g., “from 4 to 9” includes the endpoints 4 and 9.

Products described herein may optionally be in finished packaged form. In one embodiment, the package is a container such as a plastic, metal or glass tube or jar containing the composition. The product may further contain additional packaging such as a plastic or cardboard box for storing such container. In one embodiment, the product comprises a composition of the invention and contains instructions directing the user to apply the composition to the skin to treat the signs of skin aging as discussed infra. Such instructions may be printed on the container, label insert, or on any additional packaging.

As used herein, “topically applying” means directly laying on or spreading on outer skin, the scalp, or hair, e.g., by use of the hands or an applicator such as a wipe, roller, or spray.

As used herein, “cosmetically acceptable” means that the ingredients the term describes are suitable for use in contact with tissues (e.g., the skin or hair) without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, irritation, allergic response, or the like.

Compositions of the present invention are suitable for treating signs of skin aging. As used herein, “signs of skin aging” includes the presence of lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, uneven skin, and blotchiness. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sign of aging is the presence of lines and wrinkles and/or loss of elasticity.

As used herein, “treating signs of skin aging” refers to mitigating, reducing, preventing, improving, or eliminating the presence or signs of skin aging described above.

As used herein, “wrinkle” includes fine lines, fine wrinkles, or coarse wrinkles. Examples of wrinkles include, but are not limited to, fine lines around the eyes (e.g., “crow's feet”), forehead and cheek wrinkles, frown-lines, and laugh-lines around the mouth.

As used herein, “loss of elasticity” includes loss of elasticity or structural integrity of the skin or tissue, including but not limited to sagging, lax and loose tissue. The loss of elasticity or tissue structure integrity may be a result of a number of factors, including but not limited to disease, aging, hormonal changes, mechanical trauma, environmental damage, or the result of an application of products, such as a cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, to the tissue.

As used herein, “uneven skin” means a condition of the skin associated with diffuse or mottled pigmentation, which may be classified as hyperpigmentation, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

As used herein, “blotchiness” means a condition of the skin associated with redness or erythema.

As used herein, “cosmetic” refers to a beautifying substance or preparation which preserves, restores, bestows, simulates, or enhances the appearance of bodily beauty or appears to enhance the beauty or youthfulness, specifically as it relates to the appearance of tissue or skin.

As used herein, “cosmetically effective amount” means an amount of a physiologically active compound or composition sufficient for treating one or more signs of skin aging, but low enough to avoid serious side effects. The cosmetically effective amount of the compound or composition will vary with the particular condition being treated, the age and physical condition of the end user, the severity of the condition being treated/prevented, the duration of the treatment, the nature of other treatments, the specific compound or product/composition employed, the particular cosmetically-acceptable carrier utilized, and like factors.

NFκB-Inhibitor

Compositions of the present invention include an NFκB-inhibitor. As used herein, “NFκB-inhibitor” means a compound that inhibits the cell transcription factor nuclear kappa-B (NFκB). In one embodiment, the NFκB-inhibitor, when tested according to the NFκB-INHIBITION TEST as defined below, has a Percent NFκB Inhibition of at least about 35%, preferably at least about 55%, more preferably at least about 70%, most preferably at least about 90%, when tested at a concentration that is preferably from 1 microgram per milliliter to about 100 micrograms per milliliter. That is, the compound demonstrates the recited Percent NFκB Inhibition at least one concentration in the range of 1 microgram per milliliter to 100 micrograms per milliliter. The compound need not provide the recited Percent NFκB Inhibition at all concentrations from 1 microgram per milliliter to 100 micrograms per milliliter, but provides the recited Percent NFκB Inhibition at least one concentration in this range.

In a preferred embodiment, the NFκB-inhibitor has a Percent NFκB Inhibition of at least about 35%, preferably at least about 55%, more preferably at least about 70%, most preferably at least about 90%, when tested at a concentration of 10 micrograms per milliliter.

The NFκB-INHIBITION TEST is conducted in the following manner. FB293 cells, a stable transfected human epithelial cell line containing the gene reporter for NF-kB are used. They may be obtained from, e.g., Panomics (Fremont, Calif.). FB293 are plated at a density of 5×10⁴ cells/mL in a suitable medium, e.g., Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (Invitrogen, San Diego, Calif.). The FB293 cells are stimulated with 100 ng/mL of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNFα, available from Sigma-Aldrich of St Louis, Mo.) in the presence of the test sample. Separately, a control sample is tested wherein no test sample is applied. Following a 24-hour incubation at 37° C. with 5% CO₂, cells are lysed with 40 μl of reporter lysis buffer (Promega, Madison, Wis.). A 20-μl aliquot of the lysate is assayed using a luciferase assay kit (Promega) and counted for 10 s in a Lmax luminometer (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.) with the data represented as the relative light unit/second. Percent NFκB Inhibition of the test sample is calculated as: NFκB Inhibition=[1−(L _(sample) /L _(control))]*100 where L_(sample) is the luminescence of the sample and L_(control) is the luminescence of the control.

The NFκB-inhibitor may be present in the inventive composition in any suitable amount, such as from about 0.01% by weight to about 100% by weight, preferably from about 0.1% to about 20%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, even more preferably from about 0.2% to about 2%.

In one embodiment, the NFκB-inhibitor is selected from a group consisting of the following compounds: substituted resorcinols, (E)-3-(4-methylphenylsulfonyl)-2-propenenitrile (such as “Bay 11-7082,” commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich of St. Louis, Mo.), tetrahydrocurcuminoids (such as Tetrahydrocurcuminoid CG, available from Sabinsa Corporation of Piscataway, N.J.), and combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the NFκB-inhibitor is a substituted resorcinol. Resorcinol is a dihydroxy phenol compound (i.e., 1,3 dihydroxybenzene) having by the following structure:

As used herein, “substituted resorcinol” means resorcinol comprising at least one substituent in the 2, 4, 5, or 6 position. Thus, the substituted resorcinol may have as few as one and as many as four substituents. Positions 1 and 3 of the substituted resorcinol comprise —OH groups, as shown above.

It is highly preferred that all of the substituents of the substituted resourcinol are free of phenyl (—C₆H₅ aromatic) moieties. In certain embodiments, all of the substituents are free of aromatic moieties (with or without heteroatoms).

In another embodiment, it is preferred that all of the substituents of the substituted resorcinol are free of ketone functionalities (carbonyls bonded to two other carbon atoms).

In certain preferred embodiments, all of the substituents of the substituted resorcinol are free of both phenyl functionalities and ketone functionalities.

In certain preferred embodiments, the substituted resorcinol comprises at least one substituent comprising 5 to 11 carbon atoms, preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 5 to 9 carbon atoms, most preferably 5 to 8 carbon atoms. In certain other embodiments, at least one substituent comprises an alkyl group, such as one having the number of carbon atoms described above. The alkyl group is preferably unsaturated.

In certain embodiments, the 4 position of the resorcinol is substituted, and, in certain embodiments, only the 4 position is substituted. In another embodiment, the 4 position is substituted with an alkyl group. In certain preferred embodiments, the substituted resorcinol comprises a single substituent at the 4 position that comprises an alkyl group. In certain other preferred embodiments, the substituted resorcinol comprises a single substituent at the 4 position that consists of an alkyl group directly bonded to the benzene ring.

Particularly suitable substituted resorcinols include 4-hexyl resorcinol and 4-octylresorcinol, particularly 4-hexyl resorcinol. The structures of 4-hexylresorcinol and 4-octylresorcinol are shown below:

4-Hexyl resorcinol is commercially available as “SYNOVEA HR” from Sytheon of Lincoln Park, N.J. 4-Octylresorcinol is commercially available from City Chemical LLC of West Haven, Conn.

In certain embodiments, the substituted resorcinol comprises at least two substituents in the 2, 4, 5, or 6 positions. Such substituents may optionally be linked to form a ring, such as a cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon optionally comprising heteroatoms such as sulfur or oxygen. Such a linked substituent may comprise 5 to 10 carbon atoms, e.g., 8 to 10 carbon atoms, and optionally include 1 to 3 heteroatoms. Examples of suitable substituted resorcinols comprising cyclic aliphatic substituents joining the 2 and 3 positions include Zearalanone and β-Zearalanol:

Zearalanone and β-Zearalanol are commercially available from Sigma Chemicals of St. Louis, Mo.

In certain other embodiments, the substituted resorcinol comprises halide-containing and/or nitroso-containing substituents. Suitable examples contain —Cl or —N═O bonded directly to the benzene ring. These substituents may exist for example in the 2 and 4, 2 and 6, or 4 and 6 positions. An example of a dihalide-substituted resorcinol is 2,6-dichlororesorcinol. An example of a dinitroso-substituted resorcinol is 2,4-dinitrososorcinol:

2,6-Dichlororesorcinol and 2,4-Dinitrososorcinol are available from City Chemical LLC of West Haven, Conn.

Substituted resorcinols are prepared by means known in the art, for example, using techniques described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,370, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The substituted resorcinols may have any suitable molecular weight. In certain embodiments, the molecular weight of the substituted resorcinol ranges between about 175 and about 300.

The substituted resorcinol is present in the composition in a safe and effective amount, such as from about 0.01% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.2% to about 2%, even more preferably from about 0.5% to about 1.5%, by weight of the composition.

Non-Retinoid Collagen Promoter

“Non-retinoid collagen promoter,” as used herein, refers to a class of compounds that possess the biological activity of enhancing the production of collagen. Non-retinoid collagen promoters, according to the present invention, include all natural or synthetic compounds that are capable of enhancing the production of collagen in the human body.

Suitable non-retinoid collagen promoters may be determined, for example, using the COLLAGEN PROMOTER ASSAY. The COLLAGEN PROMOTER ASSAY is performed as follows. Rat cardiac myoblasts H9C2, which may be purchased from ATCC (Manassas, Va.), are used. Cultures are maintained in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM, Invitrogen Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM glutamine, 100 units/ml penicillin, and 50 ug/ml streptomycin (Invitrogen life technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.). Cell cultures are transiently transfected with the Collagen 1A promoter-luciferase reporter construct, driving the firefly luciferase gene, which may obtained for example from PREMAS Biotech Pvt. Ltd (Haryana, India). In all transfections, a construct with the thymidine kinase promoter and the Renilla luciferase reporter gene (pRL-TK, Promega, Madison, Wis.) is included as an internal control. Cells grown in 48-well plates are transfected with 0.45 ug total DNA per well using Lipofectamine 2000 (Invitrogen life technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.). One day after transfection, cells are treated with agents at the indicated concentrations for approximately 24 hours before they are lysed for luciferase assays, using Dual-Luciferase Reporter System from Promega (Madison, Wis.), following manufacturer's protocol. The firefly luciferase activity is measured first (representing collagen promoter activity), followed by the renilla luciferase (internal control), using luminometer LMAX, from Molecular Devices (Sunnyvale, Calif.). The ratio of these two luciferase activities (RLU) is used to evaluate the activity of each promoter.

The non-retinoid collagen promoter preferably has a Collagen Promoter Activity of at least 1.2, preferably at least 1.25, more preferably at least 1.3; at least one concentration in the range of 0.5 micrograms/milliliter to 2.5 milligrams per milliliter (on an actives basis), preferably at least one concentration in the range of 1.0 micrograms/milliliter to 2.5 milligrams per milliliter (on an actives basis).

While it is contemplated that the NFκB-inhibitor and the non-retinoid collagen promoter may be one and the same compound, molecule, or functional group, in a preferred embodiment, the NFκB-inhibitor and the non-retinoid collagen promoter are two separate and distinct compounds.

Examples of suitable non-retinoid collagen promoters include, but are not limited to the following: extracts of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), extracts of Centella asiatica, extracts of Siegesbeckia orientalis; extracts of soy; collagen-promoting peptides; ursolic acid; and asiaticoside.

As used herein, “extract” means a blend of compounds isolated from the particular plant. The compounds may be isolated from the whole plant or one or more parts of the plant, e.g., flower, seed, root, rhizome, stem, fruit and/or leaf of the plant of the plant. The extract may be isolated by physically removing a piece of such plant, and, for example, grinding it. Further isolation of suitable compounds may also be performed using extraction procedures well known in the art (e.g., the use of organic solvents such as lower C₁-C₈ alcohols, C₁-C₈ alkyl polyols, C₁-C₈ alkyl ketones, C₁-C₈ alkyl ethers, acetic acid C₁-C₈ alkyl esters, and chloroform, and/or inorganic solvents such as water, inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, and inorganic bases such as sodium hydroxide).

By “extracts of feverfew,” it is meant extracts of the plant “Tanacetum parthenium,” such as may be produced according to the details set for the in US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0196523, entitled “PARTHENOLIDE FREE BIOACTIVE INGREDIENTS FROM FEVERFEW (TANACETUM PARTHENIUM) AND PROCESSES FOR THEIR PRODUCTION.” One particularly suitable feverfew extract is commercially available as about 20% active feverfew, from Integrated Botanical Technologies of Ossining, N.Y.

Centella asiatica, also known as Violette marronne on Reunion Island, Gotu Kola or Indian pennywort in India, Centella repanda in North America, and Talapetraka in Madagascar, is a polymorphous herb and belongs to the family of Umbelliferae (Apiaceae), particularly to the Hydrocotyle subfamily. It grows wild throughout the tropics and prefers moist and shady regions at an altitude of about 600 to 1200 meters above sea level. Centella asiatica has three varieties: Typica, Abyssinica, and Floridana. The herb is known and used for its healing, sedative, analgesic, antidepressant, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. The biological activity of the herb appears to be due to the presence of triterpene molecules in the herb. A suitable extract of Centella asiatica is available as TECA from Bayer Consumer HealthCare of Basel, Switzerland.

By “extracts of Siegesbeckia orientalis,” is meant any of various extracts of the plant Siegesbeckia orientalis, including Darutoside available from Sederma (Croda International Group of Edison, N.J.).

Suitable collagen-promoting peptides include the following:

(1) matrikine peptides, (i.e., a peptide derived from the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins—collagen, elastin, or proteoglycan) including palmitoyl pentapeptides, in particular Pal-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser-OH, available as MATRIXYL from Sederma (Croda International Group of Edison, N.J.);

(2) GHK copper peptide available as PROCYTE from PhytoMedics of Montgomeryville, Pa.;

(3) Palmitoyl GHK peptide available as Biopoeptide CL from Sederma (Croda International Group of Edison, N.J.);

(4) Peptides VFTRN, TRNDKL disclosed in EP1775306 B1, and described below in the following formulas I, II and III:

wherein formula I contains at least six amino acid residues; and:

-   -   A₁ is Val, Ala, Leu, Met or absent;     -   A₂ is Arg, Lys or absent;     -   A₃ is Phe, Tyr or absent;     -   A₄ is Thr, Ser, Ala, or Lys;     -   A₅ is Arg or Lys;     -   A₆ is Asn, Asp, Gly, or Gln;     -   A₇ is Asp, Asn, Glu, or absent;     -   A₈ is Lys, Arg or absent; and     -   A₉ is Leu, Met, Val, Ile, Phe or absent;         provided that A₃ may only be absent if A₂ is absent, A₂ may only         be absent if A₁ is absent, A₇ may be absent only if A₈ is         absent, and A₈ may only be absent if A₉ is absent;

each R₁ and R₂, independently, is H, C1-12 alkyl, C7-10 phenylalkyl, or C(═O)E1, where E 1 is C1-12 alkyl, C3-14 alkenyl, C3-14 alkynyl, phenyl, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalkyl, naphthyl, or C7-10 phenylalkyl; provided that when either R₁ or R₂ is C(═O)E1, the other must be H; and

R₃ is OH, NH₂, C1-12 alkoxy, C7-10 phenylalkoxy, C11-14 naphthylalkoxy, C1-12 alkylamino, C7-10 phenylalkylamino, or C11-14 naphthylalkylamino; or a cosmetically acceptable salt thereof

wherein formula II contains at least six amino acid residues; and:

-   -   A′1 is Val, Ala, Leu or Met;     -   A′2 is Arg or Lys;     -   A′3 is Phe or Tyr;     -   A′4 is Leu, Met, Val, Ile or Phe;     -   A′5 is His, Tyr or Phe;     -   A′6 is Ser, Thr, Ala or Lys;     -   A′7 is Tyr or Phe;     -   A′8 is Asp, Asn or Glu;     -   A′9 is Leu, Met, Val, Ile or Phe;     -   A′10 is Lys or Arg;     -   A′11 is Asn, Asp, Gly or Gln; and

R₁, R₂, and R₃, are the same as those defined in formula I.

wherein formula III contains at least six amino acid residues; and:

-   -   A″1 is Cys or Ser;     -   A″2 is His, Tyr or Phe;     -   A″3 is Lys or Arg;     -   A″4 is Leu, Met, Val, Ile or Phe;     -   A″5 is Leu, Met, Val, Ile or Phe;     -   A″6 is His, Tyr or Phe;     -   A″7 is Asn, Asp, Gly or Gln;     -   A″8 is Val, Ala, Leu or Met;     -   A″9 is Asn, Asp, Gly or Gln;     -   A″10 is Lys or Arg; and

R₁, R₂, and R₃, are the same as those defined in formula I.

(5) Biomimetic tetrapeptides, such as those available as Chronoline Tri Peptide from Unipex of Québec, Canada; and

(6) Palmitoyl tri-peptide, available as Syn-Coll from DSM of Basel, Switzerland.

Ursolic acid is also known as pentacyclic triterpene acid, Prunol, Malol, Urson, beta-ursolic acid and 3-Beta-Hydroxy-Urs-12-En-28-Oic Acid, It is commercially available for example from Sigma-Aldrich of St. Louis, Mo.

Asiaticoside, also known chemically as: [6-[[3,4-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-5-(3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl)oxyoxan-2-yl]oxymethyl]-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]10,11-dihydroxy-9-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2,6a,6b,9,12a-hexamethyl-2,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydro-1H-picene-4a-carboxylate) is commercially available for example from Bayer Santé Familiale Division Serdex, 69, Boulevard Victor Hugo 93400 SAINT-OUEN France.

Compositions of the present invention may include a cosmetically effective amount of one or more non-retinoid collagen promoters. The compositions preferably include, on an active basis, from about 0.1% to about 10% of the non-retinoid collagen promoters, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 5% of non-retinoid collagen promoters, and most preferably from about 0.5% to about 2% of the non-retinoid collagen promoters.

The ratio of the concentration of NFκB-inhibitor to the concentration of the non-retinoid collagen promoter may be varied according to the desired effectiveness of the composition in enhancing collagen formation as well as for other reasons (e.g., composition stability, aesthetics, and the like). For example, the NFκB-inhibitor and non-retinoid collagen promoter may be present in a concentration by weight ratio (which is determined by dividing the concentration by weight of the NFκB-inhibitor by the concentration by weight of the non-retinoid collagen promoter) of about 0.001 to about 100, preferably about 0.01 to about 10, more preferably about 0.02 to about 2. The above ranges can alternatively be described in “ratio format,” i.e., about 1:1000 to about 100:1, preferably about 1:100 to about 10:1, more preferably about 1:50 to about 2:1.

Topical Compositions

The compositions of the present invention are applied topically to human skin or hair. In addition to the NFκB-inhibitor and non-retinoid collagen promoter, the composition may further include a cosmetically acceptable topical carrier that may be from about 50% to about 99.99%, by weight, of the composition (e.g., from about 80% to about 99%, by weight, of the composition). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cosmetically acceptable topical carrier includes or water.

The compositions may be made into a wide variety of product types that include but are not limited to lotions, creams, gels, sticks, sprays, ointments, cleansing liquid washes and solid bars, shampoos and hair conditioners, hair fixers, pastes, foams, powders, mousses, shaving creams, wipes, patches, hydrogels, film-forming products, facial masks and skin masks, films and make-up such as foundations, and mascaras. These product types may contain several types of cosmetically acceptable topical carriers including, but not limited to solutions, suspensions, emulsions such as microemulsions and nanoemulsions, gels, solids and liposomes. The following are non-limiting examples of such carriers. Other carriers can be formulated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

The compositions useful in the present invention can be formulated as solutions. Solutions typically include an aqueous or organic solvent (e.g., from about 50% to about 99.99% or from about 90% to about 99% of a cosmetically acceptable aqueous or organic solvent). Examples of suitable organic solvents include propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (200-600), polypropylene glycol (425-2025), glycerol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, sorbitol esters, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, ethanol, and mixtures thereof.

Compositions useful in the subject invention may be formulated as a solution comprising an emollient. Such compositions preferably contain from about 2% to about 50% of an emollient(s). As used herein, “emollients” refer to materials used for the prevention or relief of dryness, such as by preventing the transepidermal loss of water from the skin. Examples of emollients include, but are not limited to vegetable oils, mineral oils, fatty esters, and the like.

A lotion can be made from such a solution. Lotions typically contain from about 1% to about 20% (e.g., from about 5% to about 10%) of an emollient(s) and from about 50% to about 90% (e.g., from about 60% to about 80%) of water.

Another type of product that may be formulated from a solution is a cream. A cream typically contains from about 5% to about 50% (e.g., from about 10% to about 20%) of an emollient(s) and from about 45% to about 85% (e.g., from about 50% to about 75%) of water.

Although it is preferred that the composition of the present invention includes water, the composition may alternatively be anhydrous or an ointment that includes no water but organic and/or silicone solvents, oils, lipids and waxes. An ointment may contain a simple base of animal or vegetable oils or semi-solid hydrocarbons. An ointment may contain from about 2% to about 10% of an emollient(s) plus from about 0.1% to about 2% of a thickening agent(s).

The composition may be formulated as an emulsion. If the topical carrier is an emulsion, from about 1% to about 10% (e.g., from about 2% to about 5%) of the topical carrier contains an emulsifier(s). Emulsifiers may be nonionic, anionic or cationic. Examples of suitable emulsifiers include those typically identified as such in the art of personal care and cosmetic formulations.

Lotions and creams can be formulated as emulsions. Typically such lotions contain from 0.5% to about 5% of an emulsifier(s). Such creams typically contain from about 1% to about 20% (e.g., from about 5% to about 10%) of an emollient(s); from about 20% to about 80% (e.g., from 30% to about 70%) of water; and from about 1% to about 10% (e.g., from about 2% to about 5%) of an emulsifier(s).

Single emulsion skin care preparations, such as lotions and creams, of the oil-in-water type and water-in-oil type are well-known in the cosmetic art and are useful in the subject invention. Multiphase emulsion compositions, such as the water-in-oil-in-water type or the oil-in-water-in-oil type, are also useful in the subject invention. In general, such single or multiphase emulsions contain water, emollients, and emulsifiers as essential ingredients.

The compositions of this invention can also be formulated as a gel (e.g., an aqueous, alcohol, alcohol/water, or oil gel using a suitable gelling agent(s)). Suitable gelling agents for aqueous and/or alcoholic gels include, but are not limited to, natural gums, acrylic acid and acrylate polymers and copolymers, and cellulose derivatives (e.g., hydroxymethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose). Suitable gelling agents for oils (such as mineral oil) include, but are not limited to, hydrogenated butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer and hydrogenated ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer. Such gels typically contains between about 0.1% and 5%, by weight, of such gelling agents.

The compositions of the present invention can also be formulated into a solid formulation (e.g., a wax-based stick, soap bar composition, powder, or a wipe containing powder).

The compositions useful in the subject invention may contain, in addition to the aforementioned components, a wide variety of additional oil-soluble materials and/or water-soluble materials conventionally used in compositions for use on skin and hair, at their art-established levels.

Additional Cosmetically Active Agents

In one embodiment, the composition further contains another cosmetically active agent. As used herein, a “cosmetically active agent” is a compound (e.g., a synthetic compound or a compound isolated from a natural source or a natural extract) that has a cosmetic or therapeutic effect on the skin or hair, including, but not limiting to, anti-acne agents, shine control agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-mycotic agents, anti-parasite agents, external analgesics, sunscreens, photoprotectors, antioxidants, keratolytic agents, surfactants, moisturizers, nutrients, vitamins, energy enhancers, anti-perspiration agents, astringents, deodorants, firming agents, anti-callous agents, and agents for hair and/or skin conditioning.

In one embodiment, the agent is selected from, but not limited to, the group consisting of hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, D-panthenol, octyl methoxycinnimate, titanium dioxide, octyl salicylate, homosalate, avobenzone, carotenoids, free radical scavengers, spin traps, amines (e.g., neutrol), retinoids such as retinol and retinyl palmitate, ceramides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, minerals, hormones such as estrogens, steroids such as hydrocortisone, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, copper salts such as copper chloride, peptides containing copper such as Cu:Gly-His-Lys, coenzyme Q10, peptides, amino acids such as proline, vitamins, lactobionic acid, acetyl-coenzyme A, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, ribose, electron transporters such as NADH and FADH2, and other botanical extracts such as aloe vera, feverfew, oatmeal and derivatives and mixtures thereof. The cosmetically active agent will typically be present in the composition of the invention in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 20% by weight of the composition, e.g., about 0.005% to about 10% such as about 0.01% to about 5%.

Examples of vitamins include, but are not limited to, vitamin A, vitamin Bs such as vitamin B3, vitamin B5, and vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin K, and different forms of vitamin E like alpha, beta, gamma or delta tocopherols or their mixtures, and derivatives thereof.

Examples of hydroxy acids include, but are not limited, to glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid.

Examples of antioxidants include, but are not limited to, water-soluble antioxidants such as sulfhydryl compounds and their derivatives (e.g., sodium metabisulfite and N-acetyl-cysteine), lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid, resveratrol, lactoferrin, and ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives (e.g., ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbyl polypeptide). Oil-soluble antioxidants suitable for use in the compositions of this invention include, but are not limited to, butylated hydroxytoluene, retinoids (e.g., retinol and retinyl palmitate), tocopherols (e.g., tocopherol acetate), tocotrienols, and ubiquinone. Natural extracts containing antioxidants suitable for use in the compositions of this invention, include, but not limited to, extracts containing flavonoids and isoflavonoids and their derivatives (e.g., genistein and diadzein), extracts containing resveratrol and the like. Examples of such natural extracts include grape seed, green tea, pine bark, and propolis.

Other Materials

Various other materials may also be present in the composition, as known in the art. These include humectants, pH adjusters, chelating agents (e.g., EDTA), fragrances, and preservatives (e.g., parabens). Examples of such agents are listed in pp. 2922-23, 2926-28, and 2892 of the ICI Handbook.

Water or alcohol soluble dyes may also be suitable to use in compositions of the present invention. Examples of dyes suitable for the compositions of the invention include caramel, carmine, fluorescein derivatives, methoxsalen, trioxsalen, azo dyes, anthraquinone dyes, blue azulenes, guajazulene, chamuzulene, erythrosin, bengal rose, phloxin, cyanosin, daphinin, eosin G, cosin 10B, Acid Red 51, Red Dye 4, Red Dye 40, Blue Dye 1, and Yellow Dye 5, or mixtures thereof.

When used, the amount of dye in the composition may vary from about 0.0001 to about 0.1, preferably about 0.0025 to about 0.025, weight percent based on the total weight of the composition.

The composition and formulations and products containing such compositions of the present invention may be prepared using methodology that is well known by an artisan of ordinary skill.

Methods of Use

Compositions of the present invention may be topically applied to mammalian skin that is in need of treatment for one or more signs of skin aging as described above. In one embodiment, the compositions are applied to skin in need of treatment for lines and wrinkles and/or loss of elasticity. The compositions may be applied to the skin in need of such treatment according to a suitable treatment regimen, e.g., every month, every week, every other day, every day, twice a day, or the like.

In certain embodiments, compositions of the present invention may also be useful for treating other need states associated with skin. For example, compositions of the present invention may be useful for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, for reducing pore size, for reducing sebum production, and for scar mitigation. In certain other embodiments, compositions of the present invention may be applied simultaneously with or within several hours of a mechanical or physical exfoliant such as a microdermabrasion treatment, or with a chemical exfoliant or keratolytic agent such as salicylic acid. In certain other embodiments, compositions of the present invention are applied to mucosa or other tissue such as vaginal, oral, or ocular tissue. In certain other embodiments, compositions of the present invention are applied to mild wounds or post-surgical sites to facilitate healing, to insect bites, to poison ivy or similar skin conditions, or in general to mitigate itch.

According to the invention, the combination of an NFκB-inhibitor and a non-retinoid collagen promoter provides an increased, preferably synergistic boost in collagen promotion over that provided by either the NFκB-inhibitor or the non-retinoid collagen promoter alone. For example, the combination may provide an increase in collagen promotion as measured by the COLLAGEN PROMOTER ASSAY on the order of at least about 30-40%, preferably at least about 40-50%, more preferably greater than about 50%, over the collagen promotion provided by the non-retinoid collagen promoter alone.

It is believed that one skilled in the art can, based upon the description herein, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following specific embodiments are to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. The following non-limiting examples further illustrate the invention.

Example 1

The NFκB-INHIBITION TEST described above was performed on test samples of Bay 11-7082 (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.), Tetrahydrocurcuminoids CG (Sabinsa Corporation, Piscataway, N.J.), as well as various concentrations of 4-hexylresorcinol. The results are shown in Table 1, in which NF-kB Gene Reporter Activation (Luminescence, L) is reported for the test samples and a control sample. Percent NF-kB Inhibition is also reported.

TABLE 1 NF-kB Gene Reporter Percent NF-kB Activation (Luminescence, L) Inhibition Untreated  1.2 ± 0.3 — TNFa (100 ng/ml) 108.2 ± 8.5  — Stimulated, “L_(control)” TNFa + 4-  9.3 ± 0.9 91.4% Hexylresorcinol (50 ug/ml) TNFa + 4- 29.3 ± 9.2 72.9% Hexylresorcinol (10 ug/ml) TNFa + 4- 55.1 ± 1.7 50.9% Hexylresorcinol (5 ug/ml) TNFa + 4- 106.1 ± 1.9   1.9% Hexylresorcinol (1 ug/ml) TNFa + 37.8 ± 2.6 65.1% Tetrahydrocurcuminoids CG (10 ug/ml) Bay 11-7082 (25 uM) 11.3 ± 5.6 89.5%

Bay 11-7082 and Tetrahydrocurcuminoids CG showed strong NF-kB inhibition. Unexpectedly, 4-hexylresorcinol also resulted in a substantial reduction in NF-kB activation. Even more unexpectedly, 4-hexylresorcinol showed substantial NF-kB inhibition even at low concentrations.

Example 2

The NFκB-INHIBITION TEST described above was performed on a series of substituted resorcinols each having a concentration of 10 ug/ml. The results are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Percent NF-kB Structure Inhibition 4-Octylresorcinol

 99.5% 4-Hexylresorcinol

 92.4% β-Zearalenol CAS#71030-11-0

 87.1% β-Zearalanol CAS#42422-68-4

76.56% 2,4-Dinitrosorcinol

51.78% 4-Chlororesorcinol

51.63% 2,6-Dichlororesorcinol

51.54% Zearalanone

50.95% Phenethylresorcinol

 31.8% 4-Dodecylresorcinol

20.87% 4-Caproylresorcinol

10.25% C-Undecylcalix[4]- resorcinarene

 4.87% 3-Methoxyphenol

   0% 2′,4′- Dihydroxypropiophenone

  −0.7% 2,4- DIHYDROXYCINNAMIC Acid

  −1.7% 1,3-Dimethoxybenzene

  −1.7%

It can be seen from the data in Table 2 that superior NFκB inhibition is provided by substituted resorcinols containing only substituents free of phenyl functionalities, substituted resorcinols containing only substituents free of ketone functionalities, and substituted resorcinols comprising a substituent having 5 to 11 carbon atoms.

Example 3

The COLLAGEN PROMOTER ASSAY was performed on the following compounds: Tanacetum parthenium (parthenolide-free feverfew extract from Integrated Botanical Technologies of Ossining, N.Y.) and 4-hexylresorcinol (Synovea HR, from Sytheon Ltd). The compounds were diluted in cell culture media (DMEM Media of Invitrogen, San Diego Calif.) to the concentration of “active” extract as indicated in Table 3 below. The compounds were added to the transfected H9C2 cells and were incubated for 24 hours.

The results are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Respective Ratio of Concentrations Collagen Percent NFkB- of Actives 1A Change Inhibitor: Compound/ (on active Promoter Over Collagen Extract basis) Activity Vehicle Promoter Vehicle Control 0.01% 1.00 ± 0.27 — (DMSO) 4- 1 ug/ml 0.97 ± 0.17  −3% Hexylresorcinol Tanacetum 1 ug/ml 1.22 ± 0.27 22.3% parthenium 4- 1 ug/ml +  1.74 ± 0.25* 74.6% 1:1 Hexylresorcinol + 1 ug/ml Tanacetum parthenium *= P < 0.05 compared to compound/extract alone using a paired students t-Test

As can be seen from the results shown in Table 3,4-hexylresorcinol and Tanacetum parthenium provided percent changes in collagen promotion over the vehicle control of −3% and 22.3% respectively. In contrast, the combination of both 4-hexylresorcinol and Tanacetum parthenium provided a 74.6% improvement over the vehicle control in collagen promotion. This was much greater than what would be expected from a mere additive effect.

Example 4

A composition according to the invention using the ingredients shown in Table 4 below was prepared:

TABLE 4 INCI name Trade name Percentage Deionized water Purified water 77%  Pentylene glycol HYDROLITE 5 5% Hexyl resorcinol SYNOVEA HR 1% Oleosome NATRULON OSF 10%  oleosomes C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate FINSOLV TN 4% Ammonium ARISTOFLEX AVC 2% Acryloyldimethyl- taurate/VP Copolymer Chrysanthemum Parthenium Tanacetum parthenium 1% (Feverfew) extract Leaf/Flower/Stem Juice FINSOLV TN is available from Finetex, Inc. of Elmwood Park, NJ HYDROLITE 5 is available from Symrise of Teterboro, NJ SYNOVEA HR is available from Sytheon of Lincoln Park, NJ ARISTOFLEX AVC is available from Clariant of Frankfurt, Germany NATRULON OSF oleosomes from Lonza of Allendale, NJ

The composition was prepared by the following method. Synovea HR was weighed and dissolved in HYDROLITE 5 and deionized water was added to form Phase A. Oleosomes and Finsolv TN were mixed to form Phase B.

Phase B was added to Phase A very slowly under continuous mixing. Mixing was continued for 15 minutes until a uniform emulsion was formed. ARISTOFLEX was added to the emulsion under continuous mixing at high speed to obtain a thick, smooth and homogenous formulation.

It is understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of treating a sign of skin aging, comprising topically applying to skin in need of such treatment a composition comprising 4-hexyl resorcinol, Tanacetum parthenium, and a cosmetically acceptable topical carrier, wherein the 4-hexyl resorcinol and Tanacetum parthenium are present in concentration by weight ratio of about 1:50 to about 2:1.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the 4-hexyl resorcinol and Tanacetum parthenium are present in amounts sufficient to provide an increase in collagen promotion in said skin as measured by the COLLAGEN PROMOTER ASSAY of at least about 30% over the collagen promotion provided by a composition containing only Tanacetum parthenium. 